Increase in HIV cases in Gujarat: NACO

Cases of HIV infection have been rising over the past two years in Gujarat, which is considered to be a low prevalence state, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation.

Cases of HIV infection have been rising over the past two years in Gujarat, which is considered to be a low prevalence state, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation.

HT Image

"Some low prevalence states (which include Gujarat) have shown a slight increase in the number of new infections over the past two years," NACO estimates said.

The HIV estimates by NACO said, "Of the 1.2 lakh estimated new infections in 2009, the six high prevalence states account for only 39% of the cases, while Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 41% of new infections."

A top official of state government's health department attributed it to the migrant population that has been coming to Gujarat in search of work.

"We have come to know about the NACO data that said there was increase in HIV incidence in Gujarat and some other low prevalence states. This is bane of urbanisation where there is a huge migrant population," the official said on condition of anonymity.